Letters written by Hugh McCulloch



General Headquarters of the Padres
La Purisima
8thJuly 1822
Dear Hartnell
I had this pleasure yesterday from San Luis enclosing a note and letter from Padre Luis, here the Padre is waiting the arrival of the Puficho to form a Note of what they want. In coming to San Luis you better acquaint them here, as they will send you a man as Pilot for their Port which port they say is very good. You may calculate on getting here from 2 to 300 skins of Tallow as also a good quantity of Manteca de Chancho providing you are able to make a shift to get some barrels. As I mentioned in my letter of yesterday, it will be necessary to pay a good deal of attention to the Major Domos of the different missions, here you may calculate on upward of 2,000 hides yearly from what the Major Domo says, however the Padre does not like to say more than 1,500 as he is not sure, however from the quantity of Cattle they kill yearly I should suppose they could assemble 2,500 hides.
I received the Captain's letter this morning and respect the man he talks of giving credit to, I have no objection in such articles as …... Cloth of which we have a great quantity of. I am going after dinner so far as St. Ennes and tomorrow to St Barbara when I shall likely remain a day or two. The Padre sends his best respects and hopes soon to have the pleasure of seeing you. Hurry as soon as possible to the Southward, and let us get the Brig off. Do make a shift and get some barrels for this Hogs lard as I should wish us to make a good beginning in particular with the Chief . With my best respects to all the RASCALs I left behind.
I remain
Dear Will
Yours most truly
Hustan Macculloch
all the way from Cape Wrath

[here a signature Friar Anthony Rodrigues]

This is the signature of the Padre of this Mission, showing you his friendship and wish to see you.
HMcC


Santa Barbara 10thJuly 1822
Dear Hartnell
I had this pleasure from La Purisima informing that you get there about from 2 to 300 Skins of Tallow, he is a most excellent fellow the Padre of this mission, tell the Capt. that there he will be able to get as many bows and arrows from the Padre as he likes. He has some Muskets which he wants our steward to put in order, he wants a little of Cannon powder as he has very little to make rockets for the Church, which I hope you will be able to spare him, you will also get there a quantity of Hogs lard providing you will be able to make a shift to get some barrels. At St Ennes I have not been able to do anything, as the Padre there wanted to ….. for Tallows & Hides and to receive the …... in the missions and for me to pay for land conveyances and settle with the ...erios, it is a mission that can supply at least as much Hides and Tallow as the Purisima. I would recommend you to call on him as it is only about two hours ride from the latter place and see what you can do with him. I believe he has at present a good deal of tallow and also hides. Since my arrival here I have been informed by …..... that the best way of curing hides is to wash them at first in Salt Water that is to say such of the missions as is near the Sea Side and after stretching them to throw a handful of salt over them. At such of the missions as is not near the sea to wash them in fresh water and after stretching them to throw as I have already said a handful of salt on them and when dry to turn the hair inside, this is the ….... hide with the hair inside ----- Do get everything settled with the missions as you come along, as without that nothing can be done, in the way of giving Mr Begg information some of them will not be inclined to sign any documents however in giving their word that whatever quantity of Hides they can put together will be on our account is sufficient. The Brig Snipe is here still and is at present taking in wheat. I am going to start immediately for Buenaventura. There is a very respectable man and that has a good deal of Cattle at the Port where the tallow of St Ennes is shipped his name is Ortega and who wants to buy several little things. ….. as much odds and ends as you can as along the coast you will sell a good deal. I hope to be able to meet you here after going as far as San Diego and in case that your presence will be required very much at Monterey you may go from here without going any farther to the Southward therefore you better begin to write to Mr Begg, whatever may turn up to you, and get Estudillo[commandant of Monterey] and others to make out a list of goods as suitable for the Market or Province – get me on your way doz. Otter skins and one or two good bear do. At La Purisima you will find a few very good otter skins. Do hurry down as quick as possible …....get the Brig …..... . The American ship has not made her appearance here yet, therefore I will have the start of …... from here to St Diego ---------- Let the Capt. examine the Coast well in coming along, you will enquire particularly as to the goods which you …. to leave behind at Monterey--------Here all is right with the Padres only by the time you come they will not be able to give you much tallow, as for Goods they will see them when you come and will always take some --- Be on the alert respecting Hides as these at some of the places I have been they ask for longer Hides 12 Rials this some friend of ours has put them up to, however don't submit to any thing of the kind, as I told them that in the first place they would cost a Dollar .. put down in England and after all our trouble and …. out of money that we would not gain more than three Rials – My best respects to all friends.
Yours truly
H McCulloch 


San Diego Thursday
18th July 1822
Dear Hartnell
The last I wrote you was from San Gabriel, in which I mentioned several things, that I don't recollect nothing about at present, only respecting the necessity of my going in the Brig for this ship for the purpose of getting a craft for this Coast as without one we can't do nothing and to see that every thing is brought that is suitable for this Country. As you come along the Coast get from the missions patterns of such things as can't be well explained, sell off the cargoe as much as you can and get as much tallow as possible as after passing the Purisima you will get very little, as there is …. be so many vessels to ….... by the time you come that hardly a skin will be had. If I go in the Brig we will require to look out for some [handy/hardy] persons for Santa Barbara and the Pueblo to sell and in …... hides and tallow. In coming to ….... you better take out of each cases patterns so when any person comes on board you …..................[can say] this is the size and quality of this and the others thus. Know you will do without my telling about it.
If I go in the Brig I hope to be able to pick up enough of stores for the Cooper barrels … as things well come cheaper this way than cutting up woods in this Country and loss of time. There are one or two Coopers Englishmen in this country that wants employment and I should think the Salting of beef ought to be a very profitable business in particular when the Bullock is fat so as to get enough of Tallow out of him and a good hide.
On my arrival at San Juan Capistrano I found the Lady Blackwood's Supercargoes on shore and on this account I had very little opportunity of speaking to the Padres and what little I did they appear to be very independent saying that they could not nor would enter into our Contract and as to hides that they would require them all to repair their church which was destroyed some years ago by an earthquake. However I expect to see the day that they will be glad to get a purchaser for both their hides and tallow.
The above ship is expected here tomorrow and in a few days [another ship]. This is the Devil's own hole I think with all Monterey is the best place yet. At San Luis Rey you may calculate on 1500 hides yearly as to this year they can't give us any tallow, as they as well as several others has ordered things from San Blas, which they expect very soon and if they don't come this year they won't take them as they know they can get them cheaper from other parts.
From the last mentioned mission is the [Iron?] @eleven [dollars?] which you will keep for them. From the mission of San Diego you may expect 700 or 800 hides and likely 1,000 yearly so that from the Soledad here without including Santa Ennes, San Fernando or San Juan Capistrano you may at least calculate on 16,000 hides yearly and if you have succeeded any thing well to the North and with the ….....I think we will be very little short of 30,000 a year if not more. Let me hear from you as soon as possible and if you can do without me I don't intend to come overland further than St Gabriel the Port of which is San Pedro, however if you do want my assistance I shall come as far as Santa Barbara. Note down every thing that may occur to you and get patterns of every thing that the Country produces. Say how soon you expect to be at St Barbara, hurry and let the Brig be despatched. For this mission they want the following articles ½ doz. Women's Stockings, 2 thousand Needles assorted, 2 frying pans and Grid iron, 50[lbs?] Nails assorted,  2 doz. [flam....?], 1 doz Cabo blanco,   ½ doz locks,  ½ doz Combs ….., 2 [Chocolateros de Laton?], 1 doz. Tumblers large, 2 Mats, 1 Ream paper, 20 dollars worth of …...., 2 lbs of [Aceyte de Almondra?],  1 Quintal  Sugar, 1 Bag Cocoa, 2 [Anolas?] of Rice, 2 lbs of Cinnamon, 25 lbs Palo Brazil, 2 lbs of snuff. I am putting down things here which you likely won't have by the time this comes to hand. The Padre says that the [Estudills?]  …..... …... about the very same things that is put down here. Let me know at first opportunity what quantity of tallow you have got on board. What quantity you expect to get to the north and how much the Brig is likely to take or carry of bear skins or Deer etc. ….. we can get a good number yearly as well as otters …................. have I had yet. 
With my best respects to all my friends --- I remain
Dear William
Your [official or affectionate] Partner   H McCulloch (turn over)
From what I can ….. and see this Port and Monterey are the only two in Winter that a vessel could load or discharge, let the Capt. examine the Coast well as he comes along so as to be able to give Mr Begg a good description. Do the best you can and let us see one another as soon as possible. What I have said respecting hides in a former letter as to heaving a little salt on them when newly ….. I wish you would enquire about – to me it appears a good plan it eats away all fat that is attached to the hides.
HmcC
As few of the missions in my route are inclined to sign any documents for any …... I would recommend you as I have done to explain to them what expenses we are to be at in building houses employing a vessel always on the Coast, agents etc. and that without they always give their word that the hides will be for us for that time, we won't on uncertainties remain in the Country. I know several things I mention to you that I have no occasion to do it, however when a thing occurs to me I can't let it pass without putting it down, as for tallow, soap etc. providing we stay in the Country we can get more than we can have a market for.  Let me know if you have received my letters dated San Miguel , San Luis, La Purisima, Santa Barbara, San Fernando, San Gabriel.


HmcC


Copy San Diego 31 July 1822
J Begg Esq
Dear Sir
This opportunity having offered, and the notice so short, that I am at a loss what to say, as it is nearly a month since I left Monterey, at which time Mr Hartnell had not returned from his trip overland to San Francisco, since which I have had but one letter from him, as he is gone as you will see by the enclosed to San[Francisco?] with the Brig to take in some tallow. Enclosed you have copy of a Contract entered into, with almost all the Missions for 3 years, from the beginning of January 1823. Tallow we can get more than 30,000 quintals yearly, provided we wish to take the same. Hides we can only calculate on from 25 to 30,000 yearly, as they consume in different ways a great quantity as for Otters, Bears, Deer, fox skins etc we can also get a great quantity of. By the Contract you will observe that providing all the Missions …... we are obliged to take 25,000 …..? yearly and as many hides as they can present, as to the other articles mentioned in the Contract, we are not obliged to take unless we like. What will be a good business provided you approve of our remaining here is the salting of beef, as in buying a lot of cattle they can be had for about 4 Dollars each, and Monterey is a most excellent situation as in Summer it is [colder?] than in England, and plenty of Salt and Salt-Petre is to be had a few leagues in the interior, and as several things will be wanted for this establishment as well as a Coasting vessel and sundry other things, therefore if I can I will pay you a visit this first trip, having also a good deal to say respecting this Country.
You will no doubt think that the prices we give for hides and tallow for the 3 years is high, however I can assure you there are ships on the Coast at present offering 18 and 20 Rials for an arroba of tallow and an American ship has arrived at Monterey direct from Boston offering 12 Rials for hides 4 Dollars for 100 horns and other things in proportion but as the Missions in this neighbourhood had agreed to the Contract he was obliged to go from there without doing any thing. There are and has been so many vessels on the Coast this year, that the peoples expect to get whatever price they ask for their produce.
The consumption of British Manufactured Goods is very trifling, if we had money enough we could have loaded the Brig long ago, but owing to so many vessels on the Coast we sell but slowly, however I expect it will not be so from hence forward as owing to our Contract very few vessels will come to this Coast during this period.
I expect to hear hourly of Mr Hartnell's arrival at Monterey from St Francisco and then I will return overland as far as Santa Barbara or La Purisima to meet the Brig.
We have got with a great deal of trouble permission to build a Store here and another at Monterey for to receive what produce we buy and it has cost us a good deal of trouble and loss of time to be permitted to remain in the Country on account of our Religion as the Padres expected that we would consent to be Baptized. However we convinced them that we could get that ceremony done to us without coming so far as this, so that by consenting to go on our knees, taking off our hats etc. on occasions we have settled all. By the Brig which I expect in a month from this date to have left the Coast, you may expect Samples of every thing that this Country produces. I am afraid she will not have a full Cargo this trip, however it will not happen so in future as the Cargo for her or any other that may arrive will be ready to dispatch them in an instant. She will have on board this trip a good deal of [Manteca de Res?] as also de [Puerves?] provided we can get barrels enough to put the same in. We were two months on our passage from Lima. By having a good Coasting vessel, we can always make one trip a year to San Blas, which is only 7 or 8 days run from here, with tallow, where it will always command a good price from what I can learn, the best time to go there is in the months of Nov and Dec, as at that time very little is doing here, and when several things can be got that is wanted for this Market. I have written to one acquaintance of mine who has lately established himself there, requesting to acquaint me what articles of this Country's produce is suitable this Market with prices etc. A [Propio?] arrived a few days ago from Monterey bringing the intelligence of [Don Antonio Co?] 's arrival from Callao in a ship called the ….... but Mr Hartnell had not arrived from the North. I have not been able to learn whether he brings any letters or not. It is now twelve o'clock and as I have received a message from Capt. …. that he goes in about two hours and the distance from here two leagues to the beach. I must conclude by wishing that this may find you enjoying good health , comfort and happiness. I remain Dear Sir
Your Most Obedient Servant
Hugh McCulloch


San Diego 22 Sept 1822
Dear Hartnell
All your three favors or letters from San Gabriel has come duly to hand and note their contents. I think the terms with the mission of San Gabriel will do. One of the two documents you have enclosed and the other will be presented to Mr Begg. I am happy to hear that you have succeeded so well, or is likely to do so at San Gabriel. As to the wheat of San Diego it has all turned out so bad that after …..... at it for two days we were obliged to get the Padres to take it back again, therefore don't calculate on getting any here, and if you do go to San Luis Rey be very careful as they have wheat 3 years old there, however they have got plenty of this years wheat. Examine your wheat [carefully?] and see that it is not the least picked, as if it is you better heave it over ….. than send it to Lima. As to [Jose Anto?] I am at a loss he is not worth much [making the best?] bargain say from 3 to 400 yearly. I believe he is a very honest lad.
Attached you have 3 bills of lading one to go by the [Sir Francis?] and another by the [Claudenia?] and keep the other ….... me by the Brig.............particlulars, you have also copy of disbursements.
Invoice of Cargo shipped and..---- a signal has been made that is a Gun fired from the Brig that all is ready for sailing therefore I must conclude by wishing you well as well as my Countryman.
Yours most truly
Hugh McCulloch
3 o'clock in the evening with a fine breeze from the NNW


Sunday
San Gabriel 18 May 1823
Dear Hartnell
Your favor of the 11thinst. came to hand this [month?], this is my third letter to you. As you will see froma former letter at San Luis I have taken nothing in as to the Caledonia don't be alarmed as I expect the Brig Neptune will come first and if she does we will load her with tallow and keep all the hides for the Caledonia, for the present I don't intend to take in any more hides than what I can get from [Par....?]. This is your third that I have before me now, I shall endeavor to be with you in less than a month from this date. One of the Padres goes down on Wednesday, as tomorrow and Tuesday are holidays. I expect to be able to make something of a sale here …. that at the Purisima avery thing you mention in yours will be attended to, make yourself easy for the love of your Grandmother and believe every thing will be attended to by
Your most …....?
H McCulloch


San Pedro 22 May 1823
Dear Hartnell
I am on the point of leaving this for San Juan Capistrano, the sales here amounts to the Mission 5,852 [Dollars?] and to [Par?] about 1,200 Dls. Like good Christians the Padres laid their hans on all the Gold I had as also three thousand dollars in [plated Sancilla?]. From Padre [Rapall?] I had a note he asks [5½?] for taking the hides from San Buenaventura if you should approve of this write him if not you can let matters stand until my arrival which I hope will be in twenty days from this date. I have laid aside the locks for San Juan as also the [Calous?]. I have only been able to get two barrels of [aqua........?] to the South. I will endeavour to get more. I have got my clerk on board, who I believe will give very good account of what has been left with him. He has about 300 hides if not more. I will wind up the old account with him and leave him some goods on his own account to look for hides etc.
Yours truly
H McCulloch


San Diego 26 May 1823
6 o'clock in the morning
Dear Hartnell
An opportunity offering I beg leave to acquaint you of my safe arrival here last night. I wrote you from San Pedro since I have done nothing more than selling about 400 Dlrs to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano here they have not as yet arrived from the Missions, but today I expect them and hope to leave this on Thursday for Head Quarters. I would recommend ou to get and keep a copy of the Contract we are obliged to take Manchea de Puerco if you have not yet got it, no doubt Padre Anto. Rodrigues of the Purisima will be able to supply you. They got the [lasullar?] up to the Mission of San Gabriel bought by Padre Sanches and now they both write me here that it is too dear. I shall be with you with God Blessing in about 12 or 15 days at San J Capistrano. I got two more barrels of [Aqua........?] which makes four and is all I expect to get. I shall write you before I leave this in the mean time
Yours truly
H McCulloch


Santa Barbara 4 August 1823
Dear Hartnell
As an opportunity offers and time short I have only to say for the present, that your favour from San Luis has come to hand and that Barton is writing you by this conveyance. From ….. I received this moment 357@17... tallow which I believe is the amount of the account. Arguello wants some [Carabines?] but he says not to bring them if too high. You will enquire of him when you return how far he would go, or what price he would give, as I have no idea of the value of them and let me know for next conveyance to Lima. I shall write you more at length this evening. Tomorrow early we sail for San Pedro where the tallow of San Gabriel is on the beach.
Yours Truly
H McCulloch


Hugh McCulloch
San Diego 13th August 1823
Dear Hartnell
I hope you will attend to what I am going to request and that is to remit for Neptune to Atherton's father a Saddle of the Country complete with every thing, spurs, [lassoo?],[Ba...?], and shoes of the Country etc. and to show the Capt. how every thing is placed, so that he may be able to point it out to them at home. You will also send him a pair of the longest [Deers?] horns you can get, and a half dozen of the finest baskets the amount all of which you will put to my debit. Send also as above to Brotherston, on my account or on our joint account as you think proper. Should a vessel as I have already mentioned have left Callao for this quarter, recollect I shall wait by the return of such vessel your instructions as to the cash and goods you may want for the ensuing year, and to let me know also should the year turn out well what quantity of hides and tallow may be expected, so that I may regulate by that the vessels to be sent. You will let me know by the same conveyance how your establishment is getting on, and such as if any changes in Government may have taken place etc.etc.. I shall deliver, according to your request, Baskets to Atherton and Yates, Otter skins etc.. You know well that you have only to command me in any thing that may [offer?].
I remain
Dear Sir
Your most Obdnt Servnt
Hugh McCulloch


San Diego 14thAugust 1823
Dear Hartnell
Enclosed you have Bills of Lading and Invoice of the John Brigg's Cargo. Of the charges 52 Dlrs 5 Rls – 20 Dlrs I allow as expenses in Monterey in carrying tallow to and from the beach, the balance which is 32 Dlrs 5 Rials you will Credit me with being expenses incurred in [Propios?] etc. since I left Monterey. Enclosed you have a receipt of Logans for 64 dollars which he got from Capt. Lincoln in San Pedro. Place the same to my Credit. What hides the Bahia Packet can't take ship in the Neptune don't leave any behind, as I am aware what prices will be offered by and by when the Yankee and [half?] Merchants comes this way; you will recollect what hides Barton has got here are ours, and there at Santa Enes from the first of October although a vessel of his comes after that date, we would require to get some thing out of him, as the goods we take from him are ….....?. I would leave nothing here except with Jose Anto. Estudillo; if he should fancy any of such goods as you may have on board be as moderate in the prices with him as possible. I have received from him two Otter skins, one at 8 dollars and the other at 3 dollars which amounts you will debit me with. I have sold my writing desk to Don Pablo de la [Portilla?] for 35 dollars. This desk is part of the Begg's cargo, therefore you Debit me with the first cost of the desk at 37 dollars and Credit me with 35. He has got a lot of 100 or so hides which he promises to let you have on your arrival here. I promised Jose Anto. Estudillo, should he wish to go to Lima, that after [rendering?] accounts to your satisfaction that you would provide him with a passage in one of our vessels.
You will debit me with the two otter skins, got at the Purisima as also the [dozen?] of Baskets got at Santa Barbara from Padre {Ripoll?]. I delivered Logan some hides at San Pedro. Enclosed you have the Notes of the different Missions and a letter of Padre Juan [Cabol's] for Spain which you will enclose with the rest of letters for Europe. Should you have not bargained with any one for Mules I think some of the finest in the Country is above this place and J. Anto Estudillo, or [Poshilla?] would get them for you for one …... of what you would have to pay any of the Padres, and this is the place where they would require to be shipped, should you be able to get any of the Captains that may come here on our account, to bring me a Mule to Callao. Don Pablo de la Poshilla has grey Mule one of the finest in the Country, and promised to let me have her, if an opportunity offers, and if you will settle with him for the value of her. I believe Pashilla thinks some of the incargoes I brought him from Lima [dear?] such as the [Sword?], therefore as I believe he got the at first cost I would take it back again sooner than I would hear anything about the matter. I shall take good care to attend to no more of their incargoes.
…...... I found out this moment that Lincoln has got upward of three hundred dollars on board on account of Laughton which I will leave with Juan Anto. Estudillo for your credit, the House in Lima with the same, as I shall ….. Laughton paid them. Enclosed you have a receipt of the Captains for three hundred and thirty two dollars for what he has had from the different Missions on account of the Brigs disbursements. If it should turn out short debit me with the balance and if on the contrary credit me. Do me this favor for first conveyance to send me a statement of my private account. We start tomorrow morning (Friday).
If I should think of anything else I shall write you from on board the Brig in the morning, at the time will be about to start. Give my best respects to the …........ Be active my dear William and cut up all the new upstarts.
I remain as I always have done
Your [affectionate?] Friend while
Hugh McCulloch


Mazatlan 28thFebruary 1824
Dear Hartnell
The bearer of this Don Antonio Gil Fletes is my most particular friend, from him as well as his brother(one of the principal Merchants in this country) I received every assistance and advice in disposing of the Brig John Begg's cargo and they themselves have been purchasers to a large amount. Let me therefore request of you to serve him in all you can the same as you would me, and should he require and letters of recommendation to any of the Missions supply him with the same, and by so doing you will oblige your esteemed Companero who will wish you well, as long as his name is -----
Hugh McCulloch


Hugh McCulloch
Port of Mazatlan 1stMarch 1824
& Santa Gertrude?
Dear Hartnell
You will be surprised to see where this is dated from. Two or three days after my arrival in Callao arrived the Brig Esther from Liverpool on account of the House, and as every thing in the way of European goods are completely at a stand in that Market, Mr Begg resolved on transhipping two thirds of her cargo to the John Begg and sending me with the same down to this quarter. However we had a few words previous to my consent to go, as I told him I would rather remain in Lima and attend to the Californian business, which will require the whole of my attention or I would go back to California by first vessel and remain there to the expiration of the Contract, and if his department was not attended to in Lima, he would have none to blame but himself, and that I was aware it not be done in my absence. At the same time I must allow he had no person he could send, and as he mentions in his instructions to me you are aware our object in sending this property to another market is not speculation but an alternative to find a sale for it. I have come this ship on condition that the moment I get back which will be in May at the very furthest, as I leave this place in about ten days for San Blas to take in the proceeds of part of the cargo left their with Forbes and Atherton on my first arrival on this Coast.(The latter has come as his time is out with Begg; now on his own account as he has a good deal of goods on board still he gives every assistance as he returns with me. I expect … he will be a Partner in the concern and establish himself in the [Intermedias?], when I heard from him last he was at Guadalajara and thought as going as far as [Morelia?]. Forbes writes me that almost all is disposed of, so that I expect my stay at San Blas will be but short). I take the whole of the management of the Californian business into my own hands, having only to consult with him as to the disposal of the produce, chartering vessels etc. so that if you play your cards in that quarter, as well as we will ours in Peru, and our friend in England, I have no doubt we will make a very handsome thing of it, although what has come to the Lima market as yet has been a losing concern.
The John Begg's cargo has been sold for twelve dollars per quintal which after paying three dollars per quintal duty and other charges will leave little or nothing for freight, although I saved the duty on five hundred quintals in pasing it through the [Customhouse?].
Let me tell your Mr Williams; there is nothing in the present day will pay as well as hides, therefore exert yourself and get as many of them put together as you can, by the time the Contract is out, as I expect then you will have some opposition, if not sooner. However should we find that the hides can be got home in good condition you will have no more to do than to renew the Contract with such of the Missions as should wish to enter, on the best terms you can, as we are well aware should they arrive in good conition in England that they will have an immense profit.
The hides Anderson took away from California in May last which you are aware were the very dregs of the place he sold afloat in Valparaisofor three dollars all round?, so that may give you an idea should ours get home in good condition, what they ought to fetch.
Poor Castro is no more owing to a fall he received from one of Begg's horses in the Patia at the time of [Mou...?] which split his skull. He expired the evening before I arrived in Callao so there is an end to him poor fellow as ugly as we was.
I saw [Malar....?] at San Blas several times and will write you by him. From the Capt. of the [Cal Young?] that touched at San Blas during the time I was there I was glad to learn that you enjoy good health. To the bearer of this I give a letter of introduction and by him you will have a very good opportunity to write Begg and me under cover to Forbes at Tepic. I have no time to take a copy of this however I will endeavor to make up a duplicate the best way I can to send per [Malar?].
With Captain Lincoln's best wishes
I Remain
Dear William Yours most truly H McCulloch
PS Say how much Erredia is to be credited for the [Carullas?] sale at Santa Cruz/


San Blas 10thApril 1824
Dear Hartnell
Enclosed you have duplicate of one forwarded by Schooner St. [Gretudill?] from Mazatlan, also a letter from Pablo's mother to whom I delivered fifty dollars in his name, although she did not ask me for it; she told me that you made her a remittance in his name, and from what she writes you, you will see that her wish is for the Boy to remain with you; you have also enclosed a Bill on [Estraots?] for one hundred dollars, which amount you will credit Begg & Co as well as the fifty given to Pablo's mother. I leave this tomorrow direct for Callao, and in about June the Brig will leave there for your quarter, should nothing particular happen.
As to the political state of this country I beg leave to refer you to [Valarin?]. Atherton writes you by this conveyance.
Yours truly H McCulloch
I shall send you some turpentine per John Begg as they say by sprinkling a little on each hide it will keep away the Worms.


Callao 27thJune 1824
Dear Hartnell
I have been duly favoured with yours per Hebe and note the contents. Enclosed you have a bill on [Cot.?] for 200 dollars.
You will see by Mr. Begg's letter what an enormous deficiency was in the tallow for Hebe as well as the amount [sunk?] in that concern of ours; exert yourself my Dear fellow and endeavour to make it look as much ….. on the opposite side by the time the contract is out. By the John Begg send to England for such Goods and encargoes as may be wanted for your Market, as by coming direct they will not cost half as much as buying them here; By Harrison's letter from Rio you will observe that some of the Missions mixes a good deal of [Gradia?] with the tallow which endeavour to prevent.
In my letter from San Blas I enclosed you a Bill of [Malarin's?] for one hundred dollars which I hope has come to …................................................have been here and the state the country is in prevents my sending the different encargoes to my friends, but will endeavour to do all I can by the time the Pizarro sails which will be in about a month from this. Owing to the Political state of this place I am not able to send you any lime, therefore you will require to get as much wood as ashes as possible put together for the Hides. Lime here at all times is very dear and at present can't be got any price.
In haste yours most truly
Hugh McCulloch
PS You may expect for Pizarro some one down to assist you.
H McC

Lincoln will give you all the news.


Callao 30 June 1824

Dear Hartnell
Enclosed you have a note handed me by Mr Begg which he has received from Liverpool; By the Pizarro you may expect several things of the encargoes wanted for [Partiulas?] and Missions; exert yourself and get as many hides as possible by the time the contract is out, as I expect you will have some opposition after the time expires.
Yours most truly
Hugh McCulloch


Callao 2 July 1824


Dear Hartnell
Do me the favor to tell Lincoln to leave with you for the Pizarro a plan of Mazatlan and San Blas etc. You will receive along with this …...........
Credit my Private account with 50 dollars given at Tepic to Pablo's mother.
The John Begg left this yesterday for Pacasmayo to take in a little Sugar and Rice and you may expect her in a few days after the arrival of the Knouling.
Yours truly
H McC


Huicho 10 September 1824

Dear Hartnell
This will be handed you by my friend Mr Spence who will find will be of the greatest service to you; to him I refer you as to the Political news. Should you be obliged to take Soap from San Gabriel I send you Patterns from Lambisque which is considered the best Soap in Lima; take no Graza or Manchea on any account. You can tell the Padres that owing to the state the country is in that I have not been able to send their encargoes, an dthat I shall wait for further orders from you per Pizarro; in case they may have been supplied from some other quarter; whatever can be got from England you better write for by each vessel that goes as every thing can be had at least [100?] cheaper than in this quarter.
Yours most truly
H McCulloch
PS Do exert yourself William


Lima 25thFebruary 1825
Dear Partner
Your esteemed favour of 27thNovr. last has come to hand and note its contents. Long ere this reaches, I trust you will be in possession of most of the encargoes for the Missions, and as I am of opinion that the greatest part of the articles are laid in very high, I hope you will make your remarks on them in your letters to Brotherston and Begg.
As I was to [leeward?] at the time the Esther sailed for your quarter, it was not likely that you could hear from me, but before my departure I told Mr Begg that the only way he could charter that vessel would be providing there was not hides enough to fill her up, that she should come up here with tallow, and until the arrival of the Pizarro I knew nothing to the contrary.
After the Pizarro leaves which will be in a few days no other vessel in future shall leave this without your orders, and whatever you or the Missions may be in want of and should you have written for the same for Junius, you will have to repeat your orders for Pizarro as we shall take no step whatsoever toward procuring what you may write for per Junius until the Pizarro returns, and whatever may be short in the encargoes of the Missions they must renew their orders by the Schooner. That you are much in want of a Book-Keeper I am well aware of, but to send you a [Drunkard?] would not please you and no decent young man can be had here at present. I am going to the [Baths?] in Chile the moment I get the Pizarro away and in Santiago or Valparaiso will endeavour to pick up a respectable young man which by the return of the vessel you will be pleased to say if he is to go down. This I say in case you might by chance fall in with one some other way.
Whatever Begg may write you respecting sending hides here to fill up such vessels as would not get full cargoes never consent to anything of the kind. This Brotherston mentions in one of his letters and Begg in his answers approves of what he remarks about bringing hides to Callao and afterwards shipping them for England. It would be at least an extra expense of four rials per hides and which I told Begg. The tallow I have sold afloat @ 13$ per quintal but falls short in weight about 6 per cent whereas the Graza turns out about 10@ more than your weight and sold afloat @8$4 per ? and the Barrels to be returned. The beef I expect to get at least one with another 20$ per Barrel afloat, it turns out most excellent,
Should no tallow arrive before the Junius, I expect to get from 14 to 15$ on board, but should any quantity arrive from Chile or Buenos Ayres I don't expect to get above 10 or 11$. Along with this you will receive sundry articles for your own use such as wearing apparel, Brandy and Wine, Peruvian newspapers from the time Bolivia entered Lima in December last and the English do. Up to the latest date. With my best respects to all my friends in that quarter.
I remain
Dear William
Yours most sincerely
Hugh McCulloch
PS I shall write you one or two letters more before the vessel sails; there are no letters for you.
H McC


Lima 2ndMarch 1825
Dear Hartnell
Your esteemed favor dated 2ndJune last from San Luis Obispo came to hand yesterday and your Brothers letter will go by a vessel that sails in about 4 days direct for England.
The purchasers of the tallow per Pizarro complained very much about the quantity of Graza mixed with the tallow, and that if they had known of it in time that they would not give within three dollars of the price they paid; so that you will require altho' they are great Christians in that quarter to look sharp after them. Several of the skins have got very bad tallow and as black as pitch. Enclosed you have a letter for Malarin; his brother died about three months ago therefore I return him the [Libranzo?] drawn by you; have the goodness to supply him with goods at first cost to the amount of ninety two dollars, and place the same to the debit of my account
I remain
Dear William
yours for ever
Hugh McCulloch


Chorrillos 12thMarch 1825
Dear Hartnell
The Pizarro has been detained longer than I expected owing to the coppering and repairing of her, however she is now ready and in as complete an order for sailing as any vessel can be and I am confident she will make such a short voyage, should you not detain her there, that the like was never Known. I am happy to say that the Salt beef has turned out remarkably good, and that it is likely to do well, we have sold about one hundred barrels of it at twenty dollars per barrel and the remainder is likely to sell at the same price. Some of the tallow is damn bad and mixed with Graza. Enclosed you have the letter addressed to me respecting the salt beef.
Yours truly
H McCulloch


Chorrillos 1stApril 1825

Dear Partner
Along with this you will receive the following …

1 Great Coat $40
1 Short do. 30
2 Pair Pantalouns @ 14$ each 28
Cart Harness to be charged to the Establishment 40
Lima Gazettes up to this date 9 4
18 pair of Shoes @ 3 each 54
2 Hats @ 10$ each 20
-------
$221 4
-------
The above amount with the exception of Harness will be passed to the debit of your private account with J Begg & Co.
People have now begun to think that California will do well; from the excellent quality of beef you have sent up and as to what Begg says respecting our [Men of War] being supplied from home they will soon find that by purchasing beef etc. on this [side of the Main?] it will come cheapest, and should they not even buy any, I am of the opinion that at all times I can dispose of as much as you can send; the Graza in the present day will not do, even if you get it for nothing, therefore endeavour to send as little as possible as it will not fetch any price here. The man that bought that per Pizarro sent it to [Lounb...?] and there they …............ and has offered to me at 2$ per quintal.
The Beef does not go off very fast at present but I would not be afraid to get clear of three times the quantity in three months. Enclosed you have a memorandum of what has been sold and prices.
I remain
Dear William
Your Affect.... Companero
Hugh McCulloch


Chorrillos 24thJune 1825


Dear Partner
As the ship Thomas Knouland is about to sail for your quarter I beg leave to enclose you one letter from ….... and another from Mr Begg, and as regards his remarks on Salt beef, I have only to say that I am confident as long as the beef is of good quality and well preserved that I can dispose of as much as you can salt. I wrote to a friend of mine here who bought sixty or seventy barrels of that per Pizarro requesting to give me his opinion on the same …... remarks or reply. I beg to …........ for your …...... . Along with this you will receive all the Lima news from the time the Pizarro sailed till within a few days back and the English news up to the latest arrival.
I believe Mrs …... goes by this conveyance and recollect whether she does or not that I omitted to mention per Pizarro that the House advances her seven hundred dollars , when she thought of going in the aforesaid vessel. I know she has acquainted her husband of having secured that amount therefore I trust you will have no difficulty in recovering the same. With my best respects to all my friends in that quarter.
I remain
yours most truly
H McCulloch
PS Should the Knouland not sail for a day or two I shall write you a few lines more. 


Lima 24thSeptember 1825

Dear Hartnell
Allow me Dear Partner to congratulate you for having made such a good choice in taking Da Maria Teresa de Jesus y Arnell to bed with you to keep you warm; and to assure you that I approve of your choice, as also all your old cronies in this quarter; and that I will have much pleasure from time to time, by your pointing out the same to send down any little encargoes she may require for her comfort. Along with this you will receive the following articles for Mrs Hartnell, wgich please present to her in my name viz. Two Dresses, One ….. Bonnet, One Shawl, One Work Box, and two pairs of Stays. With my best respects to the Dear Girl.................... …..........…........................................................................................... Dear William
your affectionate Partner
H McCulloch


Lima 25thSeptember 1825

Dear Partnership
Let me beg you the favor to endeavour to get me two or three of the very best otter skins that can be had in your quarter, some good bows and arrows, a couple pair stags horns of the longest that can be got let them cost what they will and about twelve of the finest baskets that are made if you could get the one half madewith a cover like our English work boxes it would be so much the better, and any other little curiosities, as there are a number of English ladies in Chile and Lima that are teasing my life about Californian curiosities; you will receive by this conveyance for your good self Stockings, …........ Powders, Blacking etc.
…..................................................................................................................................

H McCulloch


Lima 26thSeptember 1825
Dear Partner
I have now the pleasure of acknowledging your sundry favors per Junius and Pizarro and beg to remark on their contents. In reference to Mr Begg's opinionon the Salt beef, I have satisfied him, and am perfectly convinced myself that I shall have no difficulty in disposing of 1000 barrels yearly. The tallow per Pizarro, as you will see by the enclosed note, has sold well, and I flatter myself with the hope of henceforth having a steady demand for this article on account of the working of the Mines being in action; should I not always find a wholesale merchant it is my intention to retail that, as well as any thing else you may send; having every convenience from an extensive new Store which I have just finished and got into play. For your government in the making of Soap I herewith send you a pattern of the size of each piece and color, suitable for this market, which if you can equal have no doubt that it will sell to advantage; Candles if a good white and well packed would do better.
From the reasonable terms on which the vessel I now write by is chartered I believe you will agree with me in thinking that it is a preferable plan to purchasing one for ourselves. Mr Begg wanted to sell me the Junius, but we could not come to terms and for our mutual interest and better arrangement of the Californian trade I expressed to him my resolution of always chartering vessels to suit your convenience in point of time, whereever they could be had on the most reasonable terms, if answerable for our purpose but should any of his be in port a preference would be given at the same rate as others.
Mr Begg is far from being reconciled to the taking of the new Farm, the capital requisite for stocking it seems to frighten him, and all I can say in favor is of no avail it will be necessary for conviction that you write him giving the particulars of what you anticipate as it's results.
The tallow from some of the Missions has been sent in a shameful state which you will please to advise them of, and in future should like you to put some kind of mark upon the produce of every different Mission, in order that we may be able to know from whom such has been received.
[Four?] [Jercked?] Beef has turned out so bad that no sale of it can be made and although we have been at the expense of landing, shall be under the necessity of throwing it into the sea.
Now that our establishment begins to assume a favourable appearance, you may lay your account with soon finding opposition as there are always plenty ready to speculate where they see a probability of profitable returns, and as I have always advised, buy up every skin of tallow and hideyou can lay your hands on , so that should any attempt it, they may find a clear coast and being once disappointed they will not be likely to repeat the same. We will require to keep all our irons in the fire for some time yet to bring matters to the right side, but from your exertions I expect soon to find it otherwise – meantime, believe me
Dear Partner
Yours very truly
H McCulloch


Lima 27thSeptember 1825

My Dear Edward William Petty Hartnell

In writing you yesterday I omitted to mention that the difference in weight of tallow in barrels is great, compared to that in skins and that tallow from your quarter never came to this market in better condition than that for Pizarro, ot never once made it's appearance in the pumps, therefore we conclude it must be from bad [..utyants?] or from negligence of the person who on your part weighed it; should you be in want of good [..utyants?] say so and I will send you two or three good ones. As you will see by Padre [Arrielas?] letter to Padre [Sarrial?] it is impossible in the present state of the country to get executed what the Missions wants from this quarter; Endeavour to get the Speedy sent back as soon as possible, with particulars of what you may want for the ensuing season, and by the next vessel which will go on her return, you may expect without fail to have a good Bookkeeper, as also cash and goods to your satisfaction; By next conveyance Mr Begg will send you a very handsome …........ for Mrs Hartnell, I wish you would send me some Salmon, nicely put up.
Yours most sincerely
H McCulloch


Chorrillos 28thSeptember 1825

Dear Partner

Since my arrival here, this morning, Capt. Lucas gives me to understand that he really believes that there are two or three vessels in this port about to proceed to your quarter in quest of tallow and hides etc. therefore I give you this information for your [governments?] and I trust you will exert yourself in picking up all the hides and tallow within the limits of Alta California. Galdie writes by the Capt. to Mancisidor , and would recommend you keeping the letter back for a few days, altho I think it can have very little effect on our concerns.
Dispatch here without delay whether you can fill her or not, and be particular in stating when another vessel is to go down for tallow etc. as also one for hides and such articles as you may want for Missions etc.
in haste as always
your sincere friend
H McCulloch
[Second letter same date]
Chorrillos 28thSeptember 1825

Dear Partner
Even since my coming on shore I have I have learnt from Capt Lucas that one of the vessels named that intends to visit your quarter is called Genl [Firyul?] a Bark, the owners are Limenians and ….... like, as they are in any part of the World inclined to speculate and as our tallow having sold as well per Pizarro has driven them all mad to speculate to your quarter, altho I don't expect that their next cargo will pay as well.
Don't pass 2$ per [arraba?] for tallow and if you can get it at 12 rs so much the better.
In haste
yours truly
H McCulloch


Callao 16thMarch 1826

Dear Hartnell
There were several skinsof the Brig Speedy's cargo nothing else but Graza, and the great complaint here is; so much Graza always mixed with the tallow that comes from California. This goes by the Brig Eliza, chartered for three thousand five hundred dollars and is cleared out as if for Costa Rica so as not to be applied to by Mancisidor's friends to carry letters for him or any one else. From the tallow having come to such a good market as well as that per ship Knouland there is little doubt but what a few will be xoming to visit you in that quarter to pick up what they can find in the way of tallow and hides, therefore be on the alert in time and pick up every skin and hide you can find. By this conveyance you will receive five thousand dollars in cash and a few goods and by the next which will be in about two months to take in hides for England you may expect twelve thousand dollars and a small assortment of goods. In dispatching this vessel immediately providing you may require another down this year we will have plenty of time. American beef is as low as from 8 to 10 dollars per barrel and no great consumption as they have paid off all the Patriot vessels of [Ulav?]; Chiloe has surrendered as you will see by the Lima gazettes therefore the Spaniards have no hold whatsoever in South America.
Enclosed you have the Gross sales of the Brig John Begg's cargo; of the Esther we have heard nothing as yet.
I wish you could find some means of marking the tallow as you receive it from the Missions and [parkoin.....?] so as to enable us to find out there tricks and really one half arraba [tarl?] is by far too little and the purchasers here will not have less than from 15 to 18 [lbs?] that is to say when the tallow is in no good demand, however the last we got off with the same [tarl>] as allowed in your quarter. I paid the Steward of the Young Tartar seventy seven dollars four rials for wages due him for his services on board said vessel according to an order presented by him and drawn by the Capt of Young Tartar which I would not have paid if the Capt of the Speedy had not said that he had seen it drawn out. Please say if I have done right so as to have the amount passed to the debit of Californian concern.
A gentleman who has been a good deal in the way of curing hides told me lately that in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres they take the hide when fresh and stretch it a little more length than breadth ways and then take a small handful of salt pounded very fine and rub the same gentle over the hide and by so doing he says that the worms will never come near it; in addition to this you will have enclosedin Mr Begg's letters instructions respecting curing hides from England. We never received from you the particulars of some [Crape?] you sebt up per Kebe and which is still laying on hand. I am waiting for Mr Begg's correspondence for you by which I will see when it arrives if any thing is omitting. I would say a good deal more but I know Mr Begg will say a;; that is requisite.
Yours truly
H McCulloch


Callao 16thMarch 1826

Dear Hartnell
The tallow per Speedy I am happy to say we have sold afloat at 16$4 per quintal and the average loss in weight is only 2 1/10 per cent.
The nett weight delivered here was 1929 quintals 62½lbs @ 16$4 is $31838.6rs payable as follows viz.
6,000 in Cash
12,919.3 rs in two months from this date
12,919.3 rs in four do. do.
- - - - - - -
$31,838.6
- - - - - - -
What a lucky thing that beef did not come as we expected, if it had we would not actually been able to dispose of it, owing to the great quantity in the Market at present, however should you not be able to fill up this vessel with tallow, you can ship beef and [Charqui?], as by the time she arrives I trust beef will be at a better price. Should you think my presence would be of any service to you for a month or two say so and I shall endeavour to go down by the next vessel that goes for tallow which will not be until this one returns, but on no account don't let on in your letter to Begg or me that I have written to that effect but rather demand my presence for a short time. My presence certainly is not much required here except when vessels are dispatched to you or coming from you. Between ourselves I don't think much of the Salting establishment, and every one that comes from there says that Mr Tory is [above?] his business if he would devote part of his time to make some good candles I think it would pay better. Let me have all the news and send me a few fine baskets, skins, bows and arrows etc.
Yours most truly
H McCulloch
PS The long German Vernon left this a few days ago for Guayaquil and says he is going down to your quarter. I think a vessel from Anderson will be the first after this.
HMcC 


Callao 17thMarch 1826

Dear Hartnell
Since writing you yesterday I found out that the Thomas Knouland is getting ready with all dispatch and I have no doubt her destination is to your quarter; therefore my Worth Partner exert yourself and pick up every hide and skin of tallow you can find and should your funds not be sufficient I trust you will be able to get them on the strength of ten or twelve thousand dollars which you may rely on having per first vessel from the House to that quarter in cash and she no doubt will leave this in less than two months from this date. The [Caliza?] is not sent by this conveyance so as not to create any suspicions but will be sent next vessel. The Capt of the Eliza requests me to mention to you that the most of the cases shipping on board of him were opened by the Customs House before shipping. I understand the Young Tartar was in want of an anchor therefore I have shipped one with an iron stock and costs seventy dollars.
Give us the particulars per return of this vessel of anything you may be in want of for the Establishment or Young Tartar etc. With my best respectsto the Good Wife and all other friends.
I remain Dear William yours most truly
H McCulloch


Callao 18thApril 1826

Dear Hartnell
To Mr Fraser I beg leave to refer you for all news. Tallow still holds it's price at say 17$ afloat. The [Caliza?] will be sent down in the vessel that goes for hides; along with this you will receive copy of a letter from [Permambrarro?] respecting the Esther and the Lima Gazettes up to this day.
Yours truly
H McCulloch
PS Remember me to all friends.


Callao 19thApril 1826

Dear Hartnell
Along with this you will receive a [Casulla?] that costs five hundred dollars which I trust will come to a good. Barton goes down to take the command of the Young Tartar and takes sundries down for the use of said vessel.
Yours truly
H McCulloch


Callao 16thJune 1826

Dear Hartnell
Have the kindness to tell Mr Tiory that Mrs Tiory is expected daily int the Brig John Begg, and that on her arrival every attention will be paid to her, and that if accounts are favourable from that quarter for Brig Eliza, that no doubt she will proceed in her and John Begg …....... .
I am sorry to say that the Caleza does not go by this conveyance owing to the manner in which it was painted, displeased Mr Begg so much that he is going to have it painted over again.
Tallow still keeps it's price good and likely to continue so this year, hides at home are getting higher in value every day, owing to the War between Buenos Ayres and Brazil which is not likely to be at an end for some time.
I need not say any thing as regards your exerting youself to get the [ynea?] away and her cargo well stowed etc. With my best respects to Mrs Hartnell, Mr Tiory, Mr Logan, Mr Spence and all other acquaintances.
I remain
Dear Hartnell
As Always
Your Sincere friend
Hugh McCulloch

[Second letter same date:]


Callao 16thJune 1826
Dear Hartnell
I have shipped on board the Ynea Ninety four bundles of Staves and twenty one iron hoops, all of which will amount to on board One hundred and fifty one dollars, four rials, which amount please pass to the credit of Messrs John Begg & Co.
I remain
yours truly and
Sincerely
H McCulloch


Callao 18thJuly 1826

Dear Hartnell
Enclosed you have the only two letters that I have seen from England for you. We are anxious waiting the arrival of the Eliza and trust she will be full with tallow which in the present day will bring a good price. I trust when she does arrive that you will be in want of another vessel for tallow etc. for this market and also one to go with hides direct to England. We don't know what to think of Anderson sending down a vessel so soon after the Knouland. In haste with my best respects to the …..... family, Logan, Tiory, Fraser.
Yours truly
H McCulloch
PS ….... sends his best respects who stands by my side.
HMcC


W E P Hartnell Esq Callao April 1827
Monterey
My Dear Sir
Since I last had this pleasure I have to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favors of Decr 17/25, July 7 and August 24/26 the contents of which have my particular attention. I observed what you mention respecting the salting concern in your favour of Decr 17 and in that of July 7. That you have done away with it entirely …....... I certainly approve of, for from all appearances it was likely to turn out to be an expensive establishment and no great hopes of much profit resulting from it. Sometime since I gave orders to make 4 pairs steel yards for you, but my brother (who was making them) was taken unwell before they were finished, and obliged to go to Chile for the benefit of his health but should he not return in time to finish them before the next opportunity, I shall try and get some other person capable of doing so and shall forward them to you by next vessel. I am sorry to observe that poor Capt Smith's thread of life has been cut for he was a very useful Captain and Mr Begg has written you respecting Mr Livys coming out in the Aurora.
From the manner in which I am employed here I have no prospect at present of having it in my power to take a voyage to California. The winding up of the late concerns of John O'Brien & Co and Hugh McCulloch & Co whose affairs turn out to be any thing but flashy engrosses all my time and attention, save and except when the affairs of the Californian establishment requires them and then you will never find me absent from my post and I may safely say that, between one thing or another no one in the two Americas is more troubled and bothered with the cares and concerns of this life than what I have been for the last 10 months and am likely to be for 8 or 10 months to come; the cares and anxieties of the last 10 months have literally made an old man of me before my youth is half finished.
You will find by the Account Sales of the Eliza and Pizarro cargoes that all that I have done has been “duty free”. Candles and Soap will never answer to be sent here and they are now subject to an importation duty of Eighty per cent. The Otter Skins Baskets Bows and Arrows I received allright and return you many thanks for the same. You will receive by this conveyance the Caleza Shafts for Snr Malarin (which you will find charged on the Invoice herewith) and a [Mamadera?] for your “better half”. I am sorry that I have not been able to procure a pair of Stays, but I understand that there is a vessel on her way from England which has got stays i.e. Lady's stays on board; should such be the case I shall send them by next opportunity; the stays which I formerly sent were fallen in with by the merest accident and the Pencils de Miniatura and Piedras de Brunir cannot be replaced and ….......... were entrusted to Mr Logan and I am not sure whether he has purchased it and sent it or not. Mr Logan arrived in the Pizarro after a passage of 47 days and has gone to superintend the mines of Salcedo belonging to John Begg & Co.
John Begg & Co. have written you by this conveyance intimating to you their intention of putting a stop (for the present) to the Californian Establishment, and requesting of you to wind up the concern and make out a Balance sheet of how the affairs stand; I am of the opinion that this is only a temporary winding up, at least I would fain hope so (I can't get Mr Begg to speak decisively) for it would be a great pity to give up the concern just at the time when, having it's plans matured, there wa every chance of some good business being done. I do not like the idea of our sowing and then other people reaping the [profits?]. JB & Co write you about tallow likely to fall in 18 or 20 months and how low hides are in the anticipation of the openiong of the Plate but if I had tallow here at this present moment I could sell it on board @13$ per lb even although the tallow per Thomas Knouland is retailing in Lima @ 18$4 per lb. So much for having a partner.By the return of the Aurora I expect you will address Mr Begg on this subject submitting to him your proposals and at the same time ponting out to him what is further necessary for placing the Establishment on a firm and solid footing including to have a small vessel on the coast (mentioning dimensions) to be put under the Mexican flag etc etc with the nature and extent of which you are better acquainted than I and will therefore be better able to point them out.
Please give my best regards to Mrs Hartnell and to all enquiring friends and believe me to be
My Dear Sir
Yours most sincerely
Hugh McCulloch


W E P Hartnell Esq Callao 18thJuly 1827
Monterey
My Dear Sir
I had this pleasure per the Aurora and cannot since acknowledge receipt of any of your esteemed favors. This goes to your quarter by the Brig Paradise of …..... , sent down to your coast on account of Mr Anderson.
You will receive herewith a Parcel of Newspapers both English and Peruvian, and by this opportunity a parcel of letters from Messrs John Begg & Co. Messrs Begg & Co advise you in their letter of the Tallow of Aurora, to arrive, having been sold at 12$ on board, and if you can lay in Tallow at a low rate, which I have no doubt you can at present, you need be under no apprehension of my being able to dispose of it here at the best market price, which altho' there is a very considerable stock in the market at present, I have no immediate fears of materially declining for some considerable time to come.
J Begg & Co give you their prospects of the Hide market with the latest quotations of that article from England; certainly in this Branch of the Business, should the present hostilities between the Buenos-Ayreans and the Brazilians be shortly brought to a close, the prospects before us are not of the most flattering description, for upon the opening of the trade with Buenos Ayres the produce of that country, which is now collected there, and which will naturally flow into the English markets, must be immense and must greatly depress the price of Hided in those markets. J Begg & Co also mention in their letter that they expecty to send you the Alice in lieu of the Rob Roy which has been wrecked at Valparaiso, but from what the Captain of that vessel has told me himself, I have strong reasons for suspecting that he will not consent to go down to your Coast; however there are plenty of good vessels here at present, which would very gladly seize upon such an opportunity to get themselves employed. By this opportunity I would have sent you the Stays I wrote you of in my last, but the Earl of Wellington, the vessel which they were coming from England has never since been heard of, and strong fears are entertained that she has foundered at sea and that all on board have perished. I shall be on the look out and if I can encounter any I shall certainly lay hold of them and forward them to you by the earliest opportunity. Expecting to have the pleasure of hearing fully from you by the Aurora and begging my respects to Mrs Hartnell
I remain
My Dear Sir
Yours always truly
Hugh McCulloch


Callao 24thAugust 1827
Mr W E P Hartnell
Monterey
My Dear Sir
I I last had this pleasure per the Laura by the way of Guaymas, and from there to be forwarded overland, informing you that said Brig Laura had been chartered here for the sum of £900 to go to California and there to take in a cargo for England , and requesting of you to get as mush cargo as possible ready for her against her arrival. As the vessel by which this goes will in all probability arrive with you before the Laura. I have again to request of you to use all pssoble exertions to load as dispatch the Laura so as if practical not to encroach upon her lay days.
I am happy to inform you of the arrival of the Inca at Liverpool, after a passage of 128 daysand that her cargo would arrive to a good market. Referring you to Messrs J.B & Co. letters for all particulars I remain My Dear Sir
Yrs very sincerely
H McCulloch


Callao 21stJuly 1828
W E P Hartnell Esq
Monterey
My Dear Sir
I trust that long before this the Brig Guascar, with passengers, crew and cargo all well and safe, has arrived at her port of destination and that you have found the markets in good condition for carrying off the whole or the greater part of the goods you took down. Capt Fitch the Supercargo of the vessel which takes this down say the “Vulture”, has kindly offered me (should he not be able to fill her) the preference of her freight, therefore should you have any tallow to send up, either on your own account or my account or on joint account you will find this to be a very favourable opportunity. Since you left this the Tallow market has not improved any but I am in hopes that by the time of the arrival of the Guascar that things will not look so dull and that I shall be able to make speedy sales of her cargo.
Your account will now stand with me as follows:
Amount of your promissory note $ 1164.0½
do. Apropio to Lima $ 5.0
do. Stock supplied by Chacral $ 98.6
$ 1267.6½
say One thousand Two Hundred and Sixty seven dollars Six and a half rials to your debit.
By the Brig Fulham which arrived here shortly after your departure Don. Domingo Carrillo sent up his son Jose under my charge for education and as he is a very smart boy I have no doube but that he will advance rapidly however should you happen to meet with his father please advise him that he must now and then send me a little tallow to pay the expenses of education which I have settled to be 17$ per month including board the boy finding himself in Wearing apparel and washing.
Upon the 11thof June a sounding edict was issued from the Congress, by which Foreign Flour, Wines, Lard, Furniture, Wearing Apparel, Candles, Soap etc. etc. are entirely prohibited from being introduced into the country in 8 months from any part of America and 10 from other parts of the World. Spirits of all kinds is also included.
With best respects to Mrs Hartnell, Mr Murphy, my Brother and all enquiring friends. I remain
My Dear White-eye
Yrs ever truly
Hugh McCulloch
PS Please endeavour to forward me by the return of the Vulture half a dozen baskets, as many Bows with their complement of Arrows to be of the Best Kind.
HmcC


Callao 6thOctober 1828
W E P Hartnell Esq
Monterey
My Dear Sir
Still without anyintelligence of the renowned Brig Guascar yet. I trust that she has ere this carried you all in safety to your place of destination and that you found all going on well upon your arrival. I am happy to inform you that business in my line is improving a little in account of the rupture which has taken place between this country and Colombia, and neither the one nor the other appears at all inclined to give it up and fitting out vessels and provisioning them gives me plenty to do now and then. A Naval Action has been fought between the Peruvian Corvette Libertad and the Colombian vessels Pichincha and Guayaquilena. The corvette claims the victory but we have not yet heard the Colombian accounts.
Mr Begg I believe writes you by this conveyance respecting the Bill on the Mexican Government which by the last accounts had not been paid. If you are in possession of the Bill I trust that you will exert yourself to recover the payment of it from the Drawer.
Hoping shortly to have the pleasure of hearing from you with advice of a remiittance and desiring to be remembered to your family and Mr Murphy I remain
My Dear Sir
Yours Very Truly
Hugh McCulloch
Fraser desires to be remembered to you and Timothy
HMcC


Callao 2ndApril 1829
W E P Hartnell
Monterey
My Dear Sir
By the arrival of the Guascar I was duly favored with your esteemed letters of the 18thOctober last, covering the various documents therein mentioned, and I am sorry to say that I am obliged to return you your order of [Heyworths?] the same having been refused payment as per Endorsement. This amount of 60$ you will therefore please credit me in Account Current which will make the Balance due me to be 706$5, and for which I have to request of you to make every exertion to remit me in Tallow as per agreement entered into between us previously to your departure.
I am sorry to be informed by Messrs Jno Begg & Co that the Bill on London for upwards of 7000$ has not been paid nor is likely to be paid so that you must use every endeavour to get the same settled by the Government, towards the Completion of which your friend the Governor may possibly use his influence.
This letter goes by the Alabama Packet for the Gulf of California and it is merely a chance whether it reach you or not, but should you hear of her being on the Coast I have to beg of you to render the Captain every assistance that he may require as I am rather deeply interested in her cargo.
Wishing you every success in your pursuits and begging to be remembered to all my quondam friends about your district. I remain
My Dear Sir
Yours Very Truly
Hugh McCulloch


Callao 10thAugust 1829
W E P Hartnell
Monterey
My Dear Sir
Since I last had this pleasure I am favored with yours of the 22ndJanuary per Funchal and am very sorry or I may rather say displeased to observe that you have made no remittance either to Mr Begg or myself but I hope that long ere this reach you, you will have made a bold effort to make up your leeway and to give that satisfaction to Mr B and myself which, in my candid opinion, we are so justly entitled to; were it only the small amount which you are due to myself personally that was interested I should not consider it of much importance, but after emerging out of so many difficulties as I have lately done, and to find myself all at once thrown back into the same state once more, by the claims which J B & Co make upon me, is too much for mortal to bear, without grumbling at the hardness of his fate, but my confidence in you is too firm as not to believe that you will put forth your every exertion to fulfil the promises which you made us before leaving this even altho' it should inconvenience yourself and that not a little.
I am happy to see from your letter and also to hear from other sources that my brother James is likely to do well, and conducting himself properly and I have by this conveyance sent him down some Wood and other articles of which I trust he will make a good use.
I hope you favor him with your patronage and good advice.
The two Boxes of Curiosities have been put on board HMS Alert the Captain of which has kindly promised to take care of them.
I beg leave to enclose you an account against Don Domingo Carrillo for the education of his Son Jose Antonio in Lima and which I will feel obliged by your recovering for me and by your remitting at your most early convenience. I also enclose you the copy of a letter which I have written to Don Domingo which I will feel obliged by your perusing and taking your measures accordingly; you will also find accompanying the several receipts and Documents for the various sums mentioned in the Account of Charges.
The Amannensis desires to be kindly remembered to you and Mr Murphy and with my best respects to Mrs Hartnell and all enquiring friends I remain
My Dear Sir
Yours Very Truly
Hugh McCulloch


Callao 2ndJune 1831
Mr W E P Hartnell
Monterey
Dear Sir
It is now a considerable time since I had the pleasure of hearing from you and embrace the opportunity of Mr Anderson'sgoing to your quarter in the Brig Ayacucho to say that I sincerely hope you are recovering rapidly from the difficulties in which you formerly advised me you were invloved. Mr Wm Logan writes me that he is desirous either to rent or sell the Vineyard which he left under your care en el Pueblo de Los Angeles and I have put under charge of Mr Anderson the sundry documents which I possess, authorising me to dispose of the same to the best advantage, and that you will co-operate with Mr Anderson in so doing.
I have been given to understand that my brother James does not conduct himself with such propriety as he ought. Should such be the case I will be obliged by your prevailing upon him (or trying to do so) to go to England in the Ayacucho should such be her destination, or to any other place where you think he would be likely to do some good for himself, and whatever expenses may be incurred in his outfit you may either pass to my debit in Acc Current or Mr Anderson will refund you.
I have also endorsed over to Mr Anderson your private Act Currt which you signed before your departure from this, and the greater part of it being money advanced when I was in the utmost difficulties I fully expect that you will use every endeavour to accomplish it's chancelation; as regards the Company account, I have paid Mr Begg my full proportion of all losses and hope that some day or other you will be able to reimburse me if not for all at least part of said Acct.
Referring you to Mr Anderson for the current news of the day and begging to be remembered to Mrs H and all friends I remain
Dear Sir
Yrs very truly
Hugh McCulloch


Lima 4thJune 1831
Dear Hartnell
It has occurred to me that if you have still the Bill for $7000 odd dollars in your possession against the Mexican Govt. some good might be done with it by consulting with Mr Anderson.
Yours truly
Hugh McCulloch


Callao 30thOctober 1832
Mr W E P Hartnell
Monterey
Dear Sir
I had last this pleasure under date of the 6thJune acknowledging receipt of your letter of the 11thNove and since when have received yours of the 8thMarch handing me account Current to same date. (Balance in my favour 435$0½). [Alexr. Freusoiler?] on me for $73.3 and document of the deposit Bank of Bs Ayres for 400$.
As regards the sum of 235$5½ with which you have debited me on account of my brother it is all correct but with respect to Capt Frews order I beg to decline accepting it that Gentleman having closed all his accounts with me long previous to his death which is now upwards of two years ago; consequently return the order as is returned the document on the deposit bank, it not being of as much value as a piece of clean paper of the same dimesnions.
With deducting the 73$3 the balance of our account will be $508.3½ in my favor and I have only now to repeat what I said in my letter of the 6June that, upon your remitting me this balance and all documents related to the claim on the Mexican Government I will use my utmost exertions to induce Mr Begg to comply with your request meantime I remain My dear Sir
Yours very truly
Hugh McCulloch

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